Cub cadet Z-force 48 User Manual

Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty

Operator’s Manual

Z-Force 48

WARNING

READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL

BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.

CUB CADET LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019

Printed In USA	Form No. 769-06466
	(October 4, 2010)

To The Owner

Thank You

Thank you for purchasing a Cub Cadet Zero-Turn Tractor. It was carefully engineered to provide excellent performance when properly operated and maintained.

Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment.

It instructs you how to safely and easily set up, operate and maintain your machine. Please be sure that you, and any other persons who will operate the machine, carefully follow the recommended safety practices at all times. Failure to do so could result in personal injury or property damage.

All information in this manual is relative to the most recent product information available at the time of printing. Review this manual frequently to familiarize yourself with the machine, its features and operation. Please be aware that this Operator’s

Manual may cover a range of product specifications for various models. Characteristics and features discussed and/or illustrated in this manual may not be applicable to all models. We reserve the right to change product specifications, designs and equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.

1

If you have any problems or questions concerning the machine, phone your local Cub Cadet dealer or contact us directly. Cub

Cadet’s Customer Support telephone numbers, website address and mailing address can be found on this page. We want to ensure your complete satisfaction at all times.

Throughout this manual, all references to right and left side of the machine are observed from the operating position.

Table of Contents

3

Troubleshooting

33

Safe Operation Practices.........................................

Assembly & Set-Up...................................................

9

Replacement Parts.................................................

35

Controls & Features................................................

11

Attachments & Accessories...................................

37

Operation................................................................

14

Specifications.........................................................

38

Maintenance & Adjustment..................................

21

Warranties..............................................................

40

Service.....................................................................

29

Record Product Information

Model Number

Before setting up and operating your new equipment, please

locate the model plate on the equipment and record the

information in the provided area to the right. This information

will be necessary, should you seek technical support via our web

Serial Number

site or with your local Cub Cadet dealer. Pivot the seat assembly

forward to locate the model plate on the underside of the seat

pivot bracket.

Customer Support

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance of this machine, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:

◊Visit us on the web at www.cubcadet.com

◊Locate your nearest Cub Cadet Dealer at [phone]

◊WriteusatCubCadetLLC•P.O.Box361131•Cleveland,OH•44136-0019

2

Important Safe Operation Practices	2

WARNING! This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury.

When you see this symbol. HEED ITS WARNING!

California Proposition 65

WARNING! Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

WARNING! Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling

DANGER! This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices in this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

General Operation

1.Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.

2.Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation.

Know how to stop the machine and disengage them quickly.

3.Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual and on the machine and should be trained and supervised by an adult.

4.Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper instruction.

5.To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

6.Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys, and other foreign objects which could be picked up and thrown by the blade(s). Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury.

7.Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also, avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction which may cause discharged material to ricochet back toward the operator.

8.Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during operation and while performing an adjustment or repair to protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes.

9.Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes and jewelry can be caught in movable parts. Never operate this machine in bare feet or sandals.

10.Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without the discharge cover or entire grass catcher in its proper place.

11.Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade(s) can amputate hands and feet.

3

12.A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade 29. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use

contact or thrown object injuries.

13.Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads and while not cutting grass.

14.Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways. This machine is not intended for use on any public roadway.

15.Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

16.Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

17.Never carry passengers.

18.Back up slowly. Always look down and behind before and while backing to avoid a back-over accident. Be aware and pay attention to the safety system function that stops power to the blades when driving in reverse. If not

fuctioning properly, contact an authorized dealer for safety system inspection and repair.

19.Slow down before turning. Operate the machine smoothly.

Avoid erratic operation and excessive speed.

20.Disengage blade(s), set parking brake, stop engine and wait until the blade(s) come to a complete stop before removing grass catcher, emptying grass, unclogging chute, removing any grass or debris, or making any adjustments.

21.Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off blade(s), place drive control levers in neutral, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key before dismounting.

22.Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck. This machine should not be driven up or down ramp(s), because the machine could tip over, causing serious personal injury. The machine must be pushed manually on ramp(s) to load or unload properly.

23.Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch.

24.Check overhead clearances carefully before driving under low hanging tree branches, wires, door openings etc., where the operator may be struck or pulled from the machine, which could result in serious injury.

25.Disengage all attachment clutches, set the parking brake to the ‘on’ position and move the RH and LH drive control levers to the neutral position before attempting to start the engine.

26.Your machine is designed to cut normal residential grass of a height no more than 10”. Do not attempt to mow through unusually tall, dry grass (e.g., pasture) or piles of dry leaves. Dry grass or leaves may contact the engine exhaust and/ or build up on the mower deck presenting a potential fire hazard.

27.Use only accessories and attachments approved for this machine by the machine manufacturer. Read, understand and follow all instructions provided with the approved accessory or attachment.

28.Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability

to operate the riding mower safely enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury.

care and good judgment. Contact your customer service representative for assistance.

Slope Operation

Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over accidents which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.

For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part of this manual to measure slopes before operating this machine on a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater than 15 degrees as

shown on the slope gauge, do not operate this machine on that area or serious injury could result.

Do:

1.Mow across slopes, not up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

2.Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

3.Use slow speed. Choose a low enough speed so that you will not have to stop while on the slope. Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If the tires are unable to maintain traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly and carefully straight down the slope.

4.Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability.

5.Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine.

6.Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction. Rapid acceleration or deceleration could cause the front of the machine to lift and rapidly roll over backwards, which could cause serious injury.

Do Not:

1.Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then turn slowly uphill and use extra care while turning.

2.Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff, ditch, or if an edge caves in.

3.Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.

4.Do not use a grass catcher on steep slopes.

5.Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.

6.Do not tow heavy pull behind attachments (e.g. loaded dump cart, lawn roller, etc.) on slopes greater than 5 degrees. When going down hill, the extra weight tends to push the tractor and may cause you to loose control

(e.g. tractor may speed up, braking and steering ability are reduced, attachment may jack-knife and cause tractor to overturn).

4		Section 2 — Important Safe Operation Practices

Children

1.Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. They do not understand the dangers. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.

a.Keep children out of the mowing area and in watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.

b.Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area.

c.To avoid back-over accidents, always look behind and down for small children.

d.Never carry children, even with the blade(s) shut off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation.

e.Use extreme care when approaching blind corners, doorways, shrubs, trees or other objects that may block your vision of a child who may run into the path of the machine.

f.Keep children away from hot or running engines. They can suffer burns from a hot muffler.

g.Remove key when machine is unattended to prevent unauthorized operation.

2.Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual and on the machine and should be trained and supervised by an adult.

Towing

1.Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point.

2.Follow the manufacturers recommendation for weight limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.

3.Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.

4.On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of traction and loss of control.

5.Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.

6.Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.

7.Do not tow heavy pull behind attachments (e.g. loaded dump cart, lawn roller, etc.) on slopes greater than 5 degrees. When going down hill, the extra weight tends to push the tractor and may cause you to loose control

(e.g. tractor may speed up, braking and steering ability are reduced, attachment may jack-knife and cause tractor to overturn).

Service

Safe Handling of Gasoline:

1.To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite. Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.

a.Use only an approved gasoline container.

b.Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle before filling.

c.When practical, remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

d.Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.

e.Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.

f.Never fuel machine indoors.

g.Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is hot or running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.

h.Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½” below bottom of filler neck to allow space for fuel expansion.

i.Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.

j.If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and equipment. Move machine to another area. Wait 5 minutes before starting the engine.

k.To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel soaked debris.

l.Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliances.

m.Allow a machine to cool at least five minutes before storing.

General Service

1.Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless, and deadly gas.

2.Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain the blade(s) and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine to prevent unintended starting.

3.Periodically check to make sure the blades come to complete stop within approximately (5) five seconds after operating the blade disengagement control. If the blades do not stop within the this time frame, your machine should be serviced professionally by an authorized dealer.

4.Regularly check the safety interlock system for proper function, as described later in this manual. If the safety interlock system does not function properly, have your machine serviced professionally by an authorized dealer.

Section 2 — Important Safe Operation Practices		5

5.Check the blade(s) and engine mounting bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade(s) for damage (e.g., excessive wear, bent, cracked). Replace the blade(s) with the original equipment manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) blade(s) only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the original equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and compromise safety!”

6.Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.

7.Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.

8.Never tamper with the safety interlock system or other safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

9.After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine. Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair the damage before starting and operating.

10.Never attempt to make adjustments or repairs to the machine while the engine is running.

11.Grass catcher components and the discharge cover are subject to wear and damage which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. For safety protection, frequently check components and replace immediately with original equipment manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) parts only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the original equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and compromise safety!”

12.Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe operating speed of the engine.

13.Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.

14.Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil, etc. to protect the environment.

15.According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this product has an Average Useful Life of seven (7) years,

or 270 hours of operation. At the end of the Average Useful Life have the machine inspected annually by an authorized service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and safety systems are working properly and not worn excessively. Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries or death.

Do not modify engine

To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in any way. Tampering with the governor setting can lead to a runaway engine and cause it to operate at unsafe speeds. Never tamper with factory setting of engine governor.

Notice Regarding Emissions

Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal

EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment) are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and may include the following emission control systems: Engine

Modification (EM) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.

Spark Arrestor

Warning! This machine is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brushcovered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrestor meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).

If a spark arrestor is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator. In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws.

Federal laws apply on federal lands.

A spark arrestor for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

6		Section 2 — Important Safe Operation Practices

Safety Symbols

This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine before attempting to assemble and operate.

Symbol

Description

READTHEOPERATOR’SMANUAL(S)

Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate

WARNING—ROTATINGBLADES

Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade(s) can amputate hands and feet.

WARNING—THROWNOBJECTS

This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can cause serious personal injury.

WARNING—THROWNOBJECTS

This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can cause serious personal injury.

BYSTANDERS

Keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation.

WARNING—SLOPEOPERATION

Do not operate this machine on a slope greater than 15 degrees.

DANGER—ROTATINGBLADES

To reduce the risk of injury, keep hands and feet away. Do not operate unless discharge cover or grass catcher is in its proper place. If damaged, replace immediately.

Warning! Your Responsibility — Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

Section 2 — Important Safe Operation Practices		7

racticesP perationO afeS — 2 ectionS 8

Sight and hold this level with a vertical tree...

or a corner of a building...

or a fence post

Fold

along

dotted line

(represents

a 15°

slope)

15°

Use this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely.

WARNING! Do not operate your lawn mower on such slopes. Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet).

Operatezero turn tractors across the face of slopes rather than up and down. Begin with the first pass across the bottom of the slope and turn uphill at the end of each pass whenever possible.

Assembly & Set-Up	3
Contents of Crate

•	One Lawn Tractor	•	One Tractor Operator’s	•	One Deck Wash Hose Coupler
			Manual
•	One Engine Operator’s Manual

Tractor Preparation

Remove the upper crating material from the shipping pallet, and cut any bands or tie straps securing the tractor to the pallet.

Use the lift handle to raise the deck to its highest position. Engage the transmission bypass rods on each side of the tractor; then carefully roll the tractor off the shipping pallet.

The transmission bypass rods (one for each the RH and LH transmission) are located beneath the frame platform, just inside each rear wheel. Disengage the bypass rods. See Fig. 3-1.

Keyhole Slot

Transmission

Bypass Rods

2.Remove the two shoulder bolts, nuts and spacers securing the seat as shown in Fig. 3-2.

Nut

Bolt

Figure 3-2

3.Rotate the seat into position and secure the seat into place with the previously removed shoulder bolts, nuts and spacers. Be careful not to crimp or damage the wire harness while installing the seat. See Fig. 3-3.

Figure 3-1

Remove the deck wash system nozzle adapter and oil drain tube from the manual bag and store for future use. Cut the wire tie holding the chute deflector up and discard any packing material.

Install Operator’s Seat

To install the seat proceed as follows:

NOTE: The seat is shipped with the seat switch and seat pan attached.

1.	Cut any straps securing the seat assembly and the drive			Bolt
	control levers to the tractor. Remove any packing material.
NOTE: Be careful not to cut the wiring harness connecting the		Nut

seat and the seat switch in the bottom of the seat.	Spacer
			Wire Harness
	Figure 3-3

9

4.Install lanyard using existing self-tapping screw. See Fig. 3-4.

Existing Selftapping Screw

Lanyard

Figure 3-4

NOTE: Insert self-tapping screw through hole in lanyard and down into the same hole that it was removed from.

Position Drive Control levers

The drive control levers of the tractor are lowered for shipping purposes. Using the hardware found in the manual bag, the control levers must be repositioned to operate the tractor. To reposition the control levers for operation, proceed as follows:

1.Lift and swing the control levers up into the operating position.

2.From the outside, insert the bolts through the hourglass spacers and the holes of the pivot bracket. Secure with the flange lock nuts. See Fig. 3-5.

Bolt	Nut

Hourglass

Spacer

Figure 3-5

3.Refer to “Adjusting the Drive Control Levers” in the

Maintenance & Adjustments section for instructions on the final adjustment of the levers.

Connecting the Battery Cables

California Proposition 65 Warning!

Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

Caution: When attaching battery cables, always connect the POSITIVE (Red) wire to its terminal first,

followed by the NEGATIVE (Black) wire.

For shipping reasons, both battery cables on your equipment may have been left disconnected from the terminals at the factory. To connect the battery cables, proceed as follows:

NOTE: The positive battery terminal is marked Pos. (+). The negative battery terminal is marked Neg. (–).

NOTE: If the positive battery cable is already attached, skip ahead to step 2.

1.Remove the plastic cover, if present, from the positive battery terminal and attach the red cable to the positive battery terminal (+) with the bolt and hex nut. See Fig. 3-6.

Figure 3-6

2.Remove the plastic cover, if present, from the negative battery terminal and attach the black cable to the negative battery terminal (–) with the bolt and hex nut. See Fig. 3-6.

3.Position the red rubber boot over the positive battery terminal to help protect it from corrosion.

NOTE: If the battery is put into service after the date shown on top/side of battery, charge the battery as instructed in the

Maintenance section your Operator’s Manual prior to operating the tractor.

10 Section 2— Assembly & Set-Up

Controls & Features	4

Storage Tray

Cup Holder

Fuel Shut-Off Valve

Fuel Tank

PTO Switch

STOP

RUN

START

Hour Meter Ignition Switch

Throttle Control	SLOW	FAST	Choke Control
W A R N I N G
			START
		CHOKE ON	NEUTRAL
		OFF	W A R N I N G
ON		BRAKE
			Parking Brake

RH Drive

Control Lever Deck Lift

Pedal

LH Drive

Control Lever

Deck Height

Index

Figure 4-1

NOTE: References to LEFT, RIGHT, FRONT, and REAR indicate that	Deck Lift Pedal
position on the tractor when facing forward while seated in the	The deck lift pedal is located on the right front corner of the foot
operator’s seat.
Deck Height Index	platform, and is used to raise and lower the mower deck.
	To raise the mowing deck to the transport position, push the
	upper part of the pedal all the way forward and place the clevis
	pin in furthest hole from you and secure with the cotter pin.
	To lower the deck, remove the clevis pin and reinsert it in the
	desired cutting height and secure with cotter pin.

The deck height index consists of several holes located on the front/right of the foot platform. Each hole corresponds to a 1⁄4” change in the deck height position ranging from 1” at the lowest notch to 4” at the highest notch.

Cup Holder

The cup holder is located toward the rear of the LH console to the right of the operator’s seat.

Storage Tray

The storage tray is located at the rear of the LH console.

RH and LH Drive Control Levers

The RH and LH control levers are located on each side of the operator’s seat. These hinged levers pivot outward to open space to permit the operator to either sit in the tractor seat, or to dismount the tractor. The levers must be fully opened out and in the neutral position to start the tractor engine.

Each lever controls the respective RH or LH transmission.

Consequently, these levers control all of the movements of the tractor. Driving and steering utilizing these control levers is quite different from conventional tractors, and will take some practice to master. Refer to Operation for instructions on using the control levers.

11

Ignition Switch

The ignition switch is located on the RH console to the right of

the operator’s seat. The ignition switch has three positions as

follows:

OFF — The engine and electrical system is turned off.

RUN — The tractor electrical system is energized.

START — The starter motor will turn over the engine. Release the key immediately when the engine starts

NOTE: To prevent accidental starting and/or battery discharge, remove the key from the ignition switch when the tractor is not in use.

Power Take-Off (PTO) Switch

The PTO switch is located on the RH console to the right of the operator’s seat next to the ignition switch.

The PTO switch operates the electric PTO clutch mounted on the bottom of the engine crankshaft. Pull the switch knob upward to

engage the PTO clutch, or push the knob

downward to disengage the clutch.

The PTO switch must be in the “disengaged” position when starting the engine.

Hour Meter

1234.5

The hour meter/indicator panel is located on the RH console to the right of the operator’s seat. The hour meter records the hours that the tractor has been operated in the digital display.

The hour meter is activated whenever the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position. Keep a record of the actual hours of operation to assure all maintenance procedures are completed according to the instructions in this manual and the engine manual.

NOTE: An optional meter provides engine speed (RPM), service reminders (oil, lube), and running time (hours).

Throttle Control

SLOW FAST

The throttle control is located on the LH console to the left of the operator’s seat. When set in a given position, a uniform engine speed will be maintained.

Push the throttle control handle forward to increase the engine speed. The tractor is designed to operate with the throttle control in the fast position (full throttle) when the tractor is being driven and the mower deck is engaged.

Pull the throttle control handle rearward to decrease the engine speed.

Choke Knob

The choke knob is located on the left side of the mower next to the operator’s seat. The choke knob controls the position of the engine choke. Pull the knob out to choke the engine; push the knob in to open the choke.

Parking Brake Engagement Lever

OFF

ON P BRAKE

The parking brake engagement lever is located on the LH console to the left of the operator’s seat., and when pulled to the rear, engages the parking brake.

NOTE: If the LH and RH drive control levers are not fully opened out in the neutral position when engaging the parking brake, the engine will stop. The parking brake must be placed in the engaged position when starting the tractor engine.

Fuel Tank

The fuel tank is located to the right of the operator’s seat. Turn the fill cap approximately 1⁄4 turn and pull upward to remove.

Push the cap downward on the fuel tank fill neck and turn approximately 1⁄4 turn clockwise to tighten Always re-install the fuel cap tightly onto the fuel tank after removing.

Warning! Never fill the fuel tank when the engine is running. If the engine is hot from recently running, allow to cool for several minutes before refueling.

Highly flammable gasoline could splash onto the engine and cause a fire.

Seat Adjustment Lever (Not Shown)

The seat adjustment lever is located below the front/left of the seat. The lever allows for adjustment of the fore to aft position of the operator’s seat. Refer to the Maintenance & Adjustments section for instructions on adjusting the seat position.

12 Section 4— Controls & Features

Fuel Shut-Off Valve

The fuel shut-off valve is located on top of the fuel tank. When turned in a clockwise direction until it stops, it will shut off the flow of fuel to the engine. When turned in a counterclockwise direction it will open and allow fuel to flow to the engine. See

Fig. 4-2.

CLOSE

OPEN

Figure 4-2

NOTE: Close this valve if you are not going to run the mower for a period of 30 minutes or more to prevent flooding the engine.

Transmission Bypass Rods (Not Shown)

The transmission bypass rods (one for each the RH and LH transmission) are located beneath the frame platform, just inside each rear wheel. See Fig. 3-1 on page 9.

When engaged, the two rods open a bypass within the hydrostatic transmissions, which allows the tractor to be pushed short distances by hand. Refer to the Maintenance & Adjustments section for instructions on using the bypass feature.

Caution: Never tow your tractor. Towing the tractor with the rear wheels on the ground may cause severe damage to the transmissions.

Transmission Oil Expansion Reservoir (Not Shown)

The transmission oil expansion reservoir is connected by hoses to the RH and LH transmission assemblies, and is located beneath the seat box. The function of the reservoir is to hold the natural expansion of transmission oil that occurs as the transmission warms up during operation. DO NOT FILL THE RESERVOIR.

Under normal operating conditions, no oil should be added to the reservoir. The COLD oil level should be no higher than

approximately 1⁄4” (the “Full Cold” mark) above the bottom of the reservoir. See Fig. 4-3.

Cold Oil Full Mark

Figure 4-3

NOTE: Prior to the initial operation of the tractor, the oil level in the reservoir may be slightly higher than the maximum due to air in the oil lines. Operation of the tractor will eventually purge the air from the lines and the oil level will settle to the maximum.

Section 4 — Controls & Features		13

Operation

General Safety

•RECEIVE INSTRUCTION — Entirely read this operator’s manual. Learn to operate this machine SAFELY. Do not risk INJURY or DEATH. Allow only those who have become competent in its usage to operate this tractor.

•Before starting the engine or beginning operation, be familiar with the controls. The operator should be in the operator’s seat. The PTO switch must be in the disengaged position, the parking brake engaged, and the RH and LH drive control levers moved fully outward in the neutral position.

•Keep all shields in place. Keep away from moving parts.

•NO RIDERS! Keep all people and pets a safe distance away.

Look behind and down to both sides of the tractor before and while backing up.

•DO NOT direct the mower discharge at people. Never walk or stand on the discharge side of the mower when the engine is running. Turn off the PTO if another person approaches while you are operating the mower.

•Avoid slopes where possible. Never operate on slopes greater than 15°. Slopes with a greater incline present dangerous operating conditions. Tractors can be rolled over. Always mow across slopes, never up and down the slope. Avoid turning downhill if possible, start at the bottom and work up to the top. Use extra care and go slowly when turning downhill. Control the speed and direction of the zero turn machine “primarily” with the speed/directional control (lap bar) of the downhill side of the machine, i.e., maintain the uphill side lap bar

“essentially” in a fixed position.

•Before leaving the operator’s seat: Shut off the PTO, move the RH and LH drive control levers fully outward in the neutral position, engage the parking brake, shut off the engine and remove the ignition key. Wait for all movement to stop before servicing or cleaning.

•When operating this mower, in the forward direction, do not allow the steering levers to return to neutral on their own. Operate the drive control levers smoothly and avoid any sudden movements of the levers when starting and stopping. Keep a firm grip on the control levers.

•Be careful when operating near gravel paths and roadways. Stop the blades and tractor motion and wait for vehicles to pass before operating along the road.

•Do not operate the tractor with the mower deck removed. Removal of the deck will change the balance of the tractor, and could contribute to a tractor rollover.

•Avoid operation on traction surfaces that are unstable; use extreme caution if the surface is slippery. Always remove debris and other objects from the area to be mowed - debris and loose grass will reduce traction.

•Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

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•Watch for holes, sprinkler heads, and other hidden hazards.

•Avoid driving too close to trees, creeks, ditches, sand traps, and other obstacles.

•Slow down before turning and come to a complete stop before any zero turn maneuver.

•If you hit a solid object while mowing, turn off the PTO, place the steering levers in the neutral, opened-out position, move the throttle to slow, set the parking brake, shut off the engine, and take the key from the ignition switch. Inspect for damage. Repair the damage. Make sure the blades are in good condition and that the blade bolts are tight before restarting the engine.

•Do not stop the tractor or park the tractor over combustible materials such as dry grass, leaves, debris, etc.

•Keep the mower and especially the engine and hydraulic components clean and free of grease, grass, and leaves to reduce the chance of fire and permit proper cooling.

•Do not fill the fuel tank when the engine is running or while the engine is hot. Allow the engine several minutes to cool before refueling. Tighten the fuel cap securely.

Before Operating Your Tractor

1.Before you operate the tractor, study this manual carefully to familiarize yourself with the operation of all the instruments and controls. It has been prepared to help you operate and maintain your tractor efficiently.

2.Fill the fuel tank with only clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline with a pump sticker octane rating of 87 or higher. When the fuel reaches one inch from the top of the tank, stop. DO NOT OVERFILL. Space must be left for expansion.

3.Check the engine oil level. Pull out the oil dipstick, wipe it off and reinsert it. Pull it out again and read the oil level. If it is below the operating range, add oil through the fill tube using a funnel to bring it up to the top of the operating range.

4.Check the tire inflation pressures - 8-10 psi for the rear tires, 20-25 psi front caster tires.

NOTE: New tires are overinflated in order to properly seat the bead to the rim.

5.Check that all nuts, bolts and screws are tight.

6.Check the tension of the deck drive belts.

a.Remove the deck cover

b.The tension of the deck drive belts are maintained by a spring mechanism that adjusts for wear and stretch.

c.Examine the belts for cuts, fraying, and excessive wear. Replace if any of these are detected.

d.Replace the deck cover.

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